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1996 SESSION

961855212
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 225
Offered January 22, 1996
Establishing a joint subcommittee to study the educational infrastructure of the public schools of the Commonwealth.
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Patrons-- Dillard, Albo, Bennett, Callahan, Christian, Connally, Councill, Darner, Fisher, Guest, Harris, Keating, Marshall, May, McClure, Moran, O'Brien, Plum, Puller, Scott, Spruill, Tata, Van Yahres and Watts; Senators: Barry, Gartlan, Howell, Ticer, Whipple and Woods
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Referred to Committee on Rules
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WHEREAS, the use of technology has revolutionized information systems and access to the marketplace of ideas; and

WHEREAS, increasingly, proficiency in computer skills and technological applications is a prerequisite by business and industry for persons entering the workforce today; and

WHEREAS, the ability to apply computer skills and knowledge is essential to competing successfully in the global marketplace; and

WHEREAS, appropriate use of integrated instructional technology can transform the classroom and facilitate improvement in student achievement, provide enhanced and challenging learning experiences, and promote greater accountability in public education; and

WHEREAS, the Standards of Learning for mathematics, English, social studies, science, and computer skills and technology have recently been revised by the Board of Education to strengthen current standards and provide a more rigorous curriculum for all students; and

WHEREAS, improved instruction, and the evaluation and accountability of students, teachers, and administrators, requires an educational technology infrastructure which is adequate to the task of sustaining the current and future technological demands of the public schools; and

WHEREAS, it is the goal of the United States to provide a computer in the classroom for every student in the public schools of the Commonwealth by the year 2000; and

WHEREAS, the implementation of an educational technology infrastructure which integrates learning systems software, networking, connections to the Internet, and staff development would provide opportunities to motivate students, facilitate access to the information highway, and offer teachers a variety of instructional resources; and

WHEREAS, substantial funding initiatives to promote the use of computer skills and technology in the classroom have been proposed by the Governor and the General Assembly; and

WHEREAS, effective and efficient use of state resources dedicated to the acquisition of technology to provide students and teachers access to the electronic classroom throughout the Commonwealth requires a comprehensive examination of the state's educational technology infrastructure; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That a joint subcommittee be established to study the educational technology infrastructure of the public schools of the Commonwealth. The joint subcommittee shall be composed of fifteen members to be appointed as follows: five members of the House of Delegates, to be appointed by the Speaker of the House; four members of the Senate, to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections; four citizens, of whom one shall be a representative of business and industry, and one shall be a member of a local city school board, to be appointed by the Speaker of the House; one shall be a representative of the Virginia Technology Council and one shall be a member of a local county school board, to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections; the Secretary of Education; and the Superintendent of Public Instruction or their designees.

The joint subcommittee shall (i) assess the status of the educational technology infrastructure of Virginia's public schools; (ii) determine the technological needs of the public schools; and (iii) recommend ways to provide a sound and viable educational technology infrastructure for the public schools, which includes determining the level and source of funding required to support the infrastructure, furnishing computers for all students by the year 2000, and providing for integrated instructional technology in the classroom, networking, connection to the Internet, and staff development.

The Division of Legislative Services shall provide staff support for the study. The Department of Education and the staffs of the House Committee on Appropriations and the Senate Committee on Finance shall provide technical assistance for the study. All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the joint subcommittee, upon request.

The direct costs of this study shall not exceed $8,750.

The joint subcommittee shall complete its work in time to submit its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 1997 Session of the General Assembly as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents.

Implementation of this resolution is subject to subsequent approval and certification by the Joint Rules Committee. The Committee may withhold expenditures or delay the period for the conduct of the study.